The President of the United States in the name of The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the MEDAL OF HONOR to

FIRST LIEUTENANT

ROBERT LEWIS HOWARD

ARMY

for service as set forth in the following

CITATION:

For The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pleasure in presenting the Medal of Honor to First Lieutenant (Infantry), [then Sergeant First Class] Robert Lewis Howard (ASN: RA-14628152), United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Republic of Vietnam, on 30 December 1968. First Lieutenant Howard, distinguished himself while serving as platoon sergeant of an American-Vietnamese platoon which was on a mission to rescue a missing American soldier in enemy controlled territory. The platoon had left its helicopter landing zone and was moving out on its mission when it was attacked by an estimated two-company force. During the initial engagement, First Lieutenant Howard was wounded and his weapon destroyed by a grenade explosion. First Lieutenant Howard saw his platoon leader had been wounded seriously and was exposed to fire. Although unable to walk, and weaponless, First Lieutenant Howard unhesitatingly crawled through a hail of fire to retrieve his wounded leader. As First Lieutenant Howard was administering first aid and removing the officer’s equipment, an enemy bullet struck one of the ammunition pouches on the lieutenant’s belt, detonating several magazines of ammunition. First Lieutenant Howard momentarily sought cover and then realizing that he must rejoin the platoon, which had been disorganized by the enemy attack, he again began dragging the seriously wounded officer toward the platoon area. Through his outstanding example of indomitable courage and bravery, First Lieutenant Howard was able to rally the platoon into an organized defense force. With complete disregard for his safety, First Lieutenant Howard crawled from position to position, administering first aid to the wounded, giving encouragement to the defenders and directing their fire on the encircling enemy. For 3 1/2 hours First Lieutenant Howard’s small force and supporting aircraft successfully repulsed enemy attacks and finally were in sufficient control to permit the landing of rescue helicopters. First Lieutenant Howard personally supervised the loading of his men and did not leave the bullet-swept landing zone until all were aboard safely. First Lieutenant Howard’s gallantry in action, his complete devotion to the welfare of his men at the risk of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the United States Army.

Born: 11 July 1939 in Opeleika, Ala…. Served five tours in Vietnam… Believed to be the most decorated soldier since World War II... Nominated for the Medal of Honor three times in 13 months, but due to the covert nature of his operations, the first was downgraded to Distinguished Service Cross, the second downgraded to Silver Star… One of only two Americans to earn the Medal of Honor and Distinguished Service Cross in the Vietnam War… Wounded 14 times in 54 months of combat… Awarded eight Purple Hearts, a record he shares with four other soldiers and four Marines… Also awarded four Bronze Stars in addition to many other decorations… Achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before being appointed to Second Lieutenant… The last Medal of Honor recipient on active duty, he retired as Colonel in 1992… Departed 23 December 2009… Interred: Arlington National Cemetery

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5 thoughts on “Robert L. Howard Medal of Honor citation”

I served Twice With Col. Howard, He was not on a GREAT Solider, One of the BEST Humans, I have ever met on this earth .. it didnt matter what his RANK . He was Always the same ! and I thank GOD he allowed me that time to know an serve with him, for him, and it didnt matter if we were with Airborne, Ranger, B-50( Omega) or Co E. 5th Special Forces Gp. This Man was not only a hero at War but on to be emulated..

COL Robert L Howard (MOH) was awarded two (2)
DSCs, however, the last one he was awarded was eventually upgraded to the MOH, leaving him with one (!) DSC.
This can be verified by going to hie tribute site and the first couple of paragraphs on the first page will verify this. Thank you..

Not sure how many folks are actually aware of the heroics of Col. Howard and many of those who served in the Studies & Observations Group. This unit did not officially exist, and their missions were unknown until many of the operations were declassified in the late 80s/early 90s. ALL OF THEIR MISSIONS WERE BEHIND ENEMY LINES (North Vietnam, Laos & Cambodia). For all of you who have a soft spot in your heart for the bravest of the brave, read John Plaster’s, “SOG, The Story of America’s Commandos in Vietnam”. However, I warn you that you that you may need a tissue or two.

Verse of the Day

Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Athletes who Served

Joe Bellino earned the Heisman Trophy in 1960 for the Naval Academy then began his active service commitment. Participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis and served three tours in Vietnam before playing for the Washington Redskins and the AFL’s Boston Patriots.